Army steps up security in Abuja, border communities
The Nigerian Army has intensified efforts to strengthen security around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its border communities through a renewed focus on combat readiness and rapid response operations.
As part of this drive, the Guards Brigade has concluded a two-day Field Training Exercise (FTX) on ambush and anti-ambush tactics, aimed at enhancing troops’ capacity to counter emerging threats and protect the nation’s capital from banditry and insurgent incursions.
The exercise, which took place at General O. A. Azazi Barracks in Gwagwalada and along the Rafin Zurfi–Ibua axis, was designed to boost the tactical readiness of soldiers in responding swiftly to evolving security threats around the nation’s capital and neighbouring states.
In a statement on Wednesday, Odunola Olawuyi, Brigade’s spokesperson, said the exercise was in line with the training directives of the Army Headquarters and reflected the Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) renewed focus on continuous, realistic field training for operational efficiency.
According to the statement, Adebisi Onasanya, Commander, Guards Brigade, described the FTX as a deliberate and strategic effort to ensure troops remain battle-ready against asymmetric threats, including ambushes and surprise attacks often launched by non-state actors operating around the FCT’s outskirts and parts of Niger and Nasarawa States.
“The exercise is in line with the COAS, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede’s, Command Philosophy, which prioritises rigorous training to meet the demands of modern warfare.
“It was designed to equip troops with the requisite knowledge and practical skills to tackle emerging security challenges in Abuja and its surrounding areas”, Onasanya said.
Olawuyi explained that the training featured lectures and practical field sessions covering tactical deployment, engagement manoeuvres, counter-ambush techniques, and immediate rescue operations under simulated combat conditions.
Read also: FG to decongest correctional centres, says Tunji-Ojo
“During the field phase, soldiers demonstrated quick reaction tactics, neutralisation of enemy threats, and evacuation of casualties under pressure”, she said.
She added that the Guards Brigade has, in recent months, intensified its operational drills and field simulations as part of efforts to fortify Abuja and safeguard critical national infrastructure, including the Presidential Villa and other strategic assets within the FCT.
